Ending Drug Addiction The Narconon Way

The Narconon drug rehabilitation program, first established in 1966, is unique. It is a proven "get off and stay off drugs" program. The Narconon program has been used successfully by thousands of people around the world to rid themselves of the need for drugs and regain control of their lives.

The Narconon program, unlike more traditional treatment, deals with both the physical and mental problems brought about by drug use. Our goal is to assist the addict, both mentally and physically, to become a whole and sane person capable of dealing with life's many and varied challenges. The end result is a success rate that is 3 to 4 times that of other programs. None of these solutions involves the use of any drug.

William Benitez, founder of the Narconon program, recognized that drug addiction was a type of disability. The Narconon program is comprehensively designed to overcome the disability of addiction by working to restore and develop the natural abilities of the addicted person.

A combination of physical detoxification, unique forms of cognitive and objective therapies, and life skills training, the Narconon program is delivered in phases where our “students” complete a series of distinct courses designed to complement and expand on each other.

When a person uses drugs over a period of time, the body becomes unable to completely eliminate them all. Drugs are broken down in the liver. These metabolites (the substances the body converts the drugs into), although removed rapidly from the blood stream, become trapped in the fatty tissues. There are various types of tissues that are high in fat content, the one thing in common – and the problem that needs to be addressed – is that these drug residues remain for years. Tissues in our bodies that are high in fats are turned over very slowly. When they are turned over, the stored drug metabolites are released into the blood stream and reactivate the same brain centers as if the person actually took the drug. The former addict now experiences a drug restimulation (or “flashback”) and drug craving. This is common in the months after an addict quits and can continue to occur for years, even decades.

When the addict initially tries to quit, cells in the brain that have become used to large amounts of these metabolites are now forced to deal with much decreased amounts. Even as the withdrawal symptoms subside, the brain “demands” that the addict give it more of the drug. This is called drug craving. Craving is an extremely powerful urge and can cause a person to create all kinds of “reasons” they should begin using drugs or drinking again. He is now trapped in an endless cycle of trying to quit, craving, relapse and fear of withdrawal.

Eventually, the brain cells will again become used to having lowered drug metabolites. But, because deposits of drug metabolites release back into the bloodstream from fatty tissues for years, craving and relapse remain a cause for concern. Left unhandled, the presence of metabolites even in microscopic amounts cause the brain to react as if the addict had again actually taken the drug and can set up craving and relapse even after years of sobriety

The Narconon Program Resolves Drug Cravings

While drugs and their metabolites quickly become undetectable in blood and urine, some as rapidly as 3 days after last usage, drug metabolites remain stored in fatty tissues for years. That these accumulated drug residues continue to cause adverse symptoms led to the development of a program aimed at reducing levels of toxins in the body to assist in recovery.

The graph depicts cocaine metabolites being excreted in the sweat and urine of clients participating in the Narconon® New Life Detoxification Program. Levels of drug metabolites are not detectable in clients prior to the start of this program, then increase dramatically and slowly taper off as the program is continued. This supports the argument that drug residues remain in the fatty tissues and that the correct treatment can mobilize and remove them through the body’s excretory systems.

The New Life Detoxification Program utilizes a combination of exercise, induced sweating in a sauna, and nutritional supplements to produce the following results:

1. Reduction or elimination of drug and alcohol cravings.
2. Reduction or elimination of many symptoms associated with drug addiction and alcoholism. These can include depression, irritability, and fatigue.
3. Ability to think more clearly.
4. Improved memory and attention span.
5. Increased energy.
6. Increased sense of well being.
7. Enthusiasm toward life.